CVE-2024-48990Needrestart Vulnerability
Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as root by tricking needrestart into running the Python interpreter with an attacker-controlled PYTHONPATH environment variable.
Published Nov 19, 2024 · Updated Aug 12, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2024-48990, UBUNTU-CVE-2024-48990
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2024-48990 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Needrestart (Needrestart Project).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 21% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Needrestart 2.6-1ubuntu0.1~esm1, Needrestart 3.1-1ubuntu0.1+esm1, Needrestart 3.4-6ubuntu0.1+esm1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
21%
Higher than 97.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
ATLAS score
52/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
Public exploit code
1
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisoryhttps://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2024-48990
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-48990
- advisoryhttps://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2024-48990
- advisoryhttps://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2024-48990
- advisoryhttps://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-7117-1
- advisoryhttps://www.qualys.com/2024/11/19/needrestart/needrestart.txt
Description
Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as root by tricking needrestart into running the Python interpreter with an attacker-controlled PYTHONPATH environment variable.
Affected Products
18 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| NeedrestartNeedrestart Project | See advisory | 3.8 |
Patched Releases
Needrestart
2.6-1ubuntu0.1~esm1, 3.1-1ubuntu0.1+esm1, 3.4-6ubuntu0.1+esm1, 3.5-4+deb11u4, 3.5-5ubuntu2.2, 3.6-4+deb12u2, 3.6-7ubuntu4.3, 3.7-3.1, 3.8
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 19, 2024
Last updated
Aug 12, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element
References
- advisorycve.org · CVERecord
- advisorynvd.nist.gov · CVE-2024-48990
- advisorysecurity-tracker.debian.org · CVE-2024-48990
- advisoryubuntu.com · CVE-2024-48990
- advisoryubuntu.com · USN-7117-1
FAQ
Common Questions.
Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as root by tricking needrestart into running the Python interpreter with an attacker-controlled PYTHONPATH environment variable.
Affected: Needrestart (Needrestart Project). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Needrestart 2.6-1ubuntu0.1~esm1, Needrestart 3.1-1ubuntu0.1+esm1, Needrestart 3.4-6ubuntu0.1+esm1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2024-48990 On Your Attack Surface?
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